Jennifer Hudson Denies Turning Down Precious Role Over Weight

Jennifer Hudson Denies Turning Down Precious Role Over Weight

Says reports that she didn't want to pack on pounds for the part aren't true.

Published January 12, 2012

Jennifer Hudson didn't turn down the lead role in Precious because she would have had to gain weight for the part, the actress claims.

Hudson tells TMZ, "I did NOT turn down the role because of the weight thing ... I turned it down because I felt it was just too graphic for me at that time."

That contradicts a statement Hudson made on Dateline and stated in her book just weeks ago, when she said, "I would have had to be the big girl again." When asked if she felt playing a heavy character would typecast her, she replied, "I don't like the idea of being boxed into anything."

The role, of course, eventually went to Gabourey Sidibe and launched her career. As for Jennifer, she has a number of upcoming projects — including a role as Winnie Mandela in a biopic called Winnie, and a lead in The Three Stooges — all of which will allow her to stay in her skinny jeans.

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